Infection of the anal glands

The anal glands consist of two small sacs located on either side of the anus. They seem to serve little purpose, and their true raison d'être remains unknown.

Most dogs empty their own anal glands when they defecate or exercise. When they don't empty naturally, it's because they're blocked for one reason or another. There are various explanations for anal gland blockage in dogs and cats. Some animals may have anal gland problems because their diet is low in fiber. A high-fiber diet produces bulky stools, which tend to purge the anal glands during defecation. Obesity and lack of exercise can also promote anal gland engorgement.

When the anal glands don't empty, the animal tends to rub its hindquarters on the ground (known as sledging), which compresses the glands, often allowing emptying to take place. If unsuccessful, the animal may experience discomfort, straining to defecate, and excessive licking and biting in the anal region. If left untreated, this can lead to self-inflicted irritation or injury around the anus. Some dogs chase their tails, while others have mood swings.

It's wise to consult a vet if your dog is sledding. The vet can manually express the contents of the anal glands and avoid complications. Frequent emptying of the anal glands does not seem to increase the rate at which they become engorged.

Animals requiring frequent emptying of the anal glands should be assessed by a veterinarian, to rule out any possibility of an underlying medical problem. For example, animals may rub or lick their rectal area for other reasons, such as allergies (to airborne agents or food), intestinal parasites (such as tapeworms) and tumors. Anal gland infection is by far the most common cause of anal gland problems, and antibiotics are required to eliminate it.

If all medical causes have been eliminated and the problem persists, surgery may be a reasonable and effective solution. Although surgery can cause loss of sphincter control, this post-surgical complication is rare. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss treatment options.